Indian Railways – A Global Achievement
Excellence in Production and Exports
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has proudly stated that Indian Railways is not only achieving global milestones in production but also excelling in exports.
Indian Railways is the fourth-largest railway network in the world, with a total track length of 1,15,000 kilometers. Every day, around 12,617 passenger trains and 7,421 freight trains operate across 7,349 stations in the country.
India’s Growth in Railway Production
Indian Railways is a leader in the production of railway coaches and equipment. The country exports railway coaches and accessories to several nations. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed India’s domestic and international achievements in the railway sector.
This year, India has produced 1,400 railway engines, surpassing the combined production of the United States and Europe. In the current financial year, Indian Railways is expected to handle 1.6 billion tonnes of freight, making it one of the top three freight carriers in the world, along with China and the United States.
Expansion of Freight and Passenger Services
To further enhance freight transport capacity, 200,000 new railway wagons have been added. Metro rail coaches manufactured in India are being exported to Australia, while undercarriage machinery and equipment are being sent to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia.
Additionally, propulsion systems for trains are being exported to France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Passenger coaches are being exported in large numbers to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Marhaura Factory in Bihar – A Milestone in Production
A decade ago, the Marhaura factory in Bihar was announced, and now, under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, it is set to export over 100 railway engines. These locomotives, manufactured in Bihar, are being shipped worldwide.
Significant Reduction in Railway Accidents
Since Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister in 2014, railway accidents have reduced by 90%. Under the tenure of former Railway Ministers, accidents were significantly higher—698 during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s term, 395 under Mamata Banerjee, and 381 under Mallikarjun Kharge. Currently, the number has reduced to just 73 accidents per year.
Passenger Facilities and Affordable Ticket Pricing
Indian Railways ensures that passengers receive adequate facilities while keeping fares as low as possible. For instance, the fare for a 350-kilometer journey in the general category in India is only ₹121. In comparison, the same distance costs ₹436 in Pakistan, ₹323 in Bangladesh, and ₹413 in Sri Lanka.
India’s Railway Network – The Most Affordable in the World
India ranks first among the world’s most affordable railway networks. The actual cost per kilometer of travel is ₹1.38, but passengers are charged only ₹0.73.
Financial Allocations and Revenue
For the financial year 2022-23, a total of ₹57,000 crore was allocated for passenger subsidies. This amount increased to ₹60,000 crore in the 2023-24 financial year. The total annual revenue of Indian Railways is ₹2.78 lakh crore, while its expenses amount to ₹2.75 lakh crore, as stated by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Conclusion
Indian Railways is emerging as a dominant force in the global railway sector. With continuous advancements in production, exports, passenger services, and freight management, India is shaping itself into a key player in the international railway industry.
